What Should We Do With Confederate Monuments?
People across the country are debating the use and purpose of Confederate Monuments. Whether these statues should be taken down completely, contextualized in place, or left alone are important questions one must consider. To make an informed decision, one must know the history behind them, including the true causes of the Civil War, the perspectives of marginalized people, and myths that propelled their creation. This inquiry provides middle school students with a range of historical and contemporary sources to consider these issues. These activities culminate in a challenge for students to take action and figure out the best solution for their state, local or national community.
Helpful Hints
- Historical Empathy
- When reading and discussing issues, encourage students to try taking the perspective of people from that time period when discussing point of view.
- Discussion Questions
- The discussion questions are the key element of the lessons. It is imperative that students discuss questions amongst themselves with the teacher acting as the facilitator. Please refer to guidelines on transactive discussion tips and techniques.
- Writing prompts
- Writing prompts are also key in reinforcing the new information and the discussion that has taken place. The prompts allow students to integrate the perspectives they have heard into a cohesive argument.
- Make sure students complete writing prompts even if it means assigning the prompt as homework.